Florida Tennis Centers Register Now for USTA March Youth Events

Youth Registration is the USTA's largest youth tennis recruitment effort across the U.S. that kicks off during March.

During the month of March, organizers across the U.S. host an assortment of fun, easy events to introduce parents and kids to their tennis programs. Youth Registration events, USTA Play Days, and Kids' Tennis Club events can grow the love of tennis in communities, grow business for local clubs, and show parents how the game has been sized right for kids with 10 and Under Tennis.

USTA Play Days are events designed to introduce kids to competition in a low-pressure setting where results are not documented. These events provide kids with the opportunity to continue to develop and enhance their skills. From beginners to more experienced players, a Play Day is a welcoming way for kids to experience the social and competitive aspects of tennis. 

Organized by skill level, kids have the chance to gain additional play experience by rotation of opponents in short, continuous matches over a two-to-three hour period. Play Days promote a sense of achievement through a fun and spirited atmosphere.

Kids' Tennis Clubs are programs that allows kids to sample tennis through supervised play and interactive activities. This program is a great way for kids to be introduced to tennis in a safe, open-play setting at local schools, parks, youth centers and tennis facilities. These "clubs" offer kids the opportunity to have fun, gain confidence and meet new friends, while enhancing their social and physical development.

For information on hosting Youth Registration events, USTA Play Days, or Kids' Tennis Club events in 2012 go to www.usta.com/Coaches-Organizers/event_calendar/.
 

Tampa's Tennis for Fun Program Wins USTA Adaptive Tennis Award

USTA national announced that Tennis for Fun, based in Tampa, Fla., has been awarded the 2011 USTA Adaptive Tennis National Community Service Award. The award is given to a program or program leader that has demonstrated continued excellence, dedication and service in tennis for an adaptive tennis community.

"Tennis for Fun has made excellent strides in making tennis accessible for everyone with special needs and ensuring that they have the opportunity to participate in a meaningful tennis experience," said Kurt Kamperman, chief executive, Community Tennis, USTA. "We praise Nathan Moore on his vision and everyone at Tennis for Fun for their dedication. We are proud to acknowledge their efforts with this award."
 
Tennis for Fun, a free weekly tennis clinic available to athletes with special needs, is a volunteer organization that provides opportunities to have fun playing tennis while learning basic life skills and socializing. Tennis for Fun was founded in September 2000 by Nathan Moore, a high school student.  Moore's goal was to create a positive and fun activity for athletes with special needs in the greater Tampa area.  

Since its inception, the program has grown substantially, spreading to three additional locations (Brandon, Fla.; Belfast, Maine, and Camden, Maine) providing tennis instruction to more than 100 athletes. Participants in the program range in age from 8 to 55, with some choosing to compete in Special Olympics competitions. Now run by Moore's mother Judy and Rosanna Chiaramonte, Tennis for Fun is supported by dedicated volunteers who donate services and equipment.  

Tennis for Fun will be honored at the United States Tennis Association Community Tennis Development Workshop held Jan. 13-15, 2012, at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, La., the largest annual gathering of grassroots tennis leaders in the United States. 

The USTA Adaptive Tennis National Community Service Award was established in 2003. To qualify for a program award, the program must have been in existence for a minimum of three consecutive years. To qualify for an individual award, the recipient must have worked with an Adaptive Tennis program for a minimum of three consecutive years.


Florida's Harkins Receives USTA National Community Service Award

USTA national announced that Cindy Harkins of Longwood, Fla., was selected as a 2011 USTA Eve F. Kraft Community Service Award recipient. The Eve F. Kraft Community Service Award is given to individuals who perpetuate Kraft's mission to bring the game of tennis to everyone who wants to play.  

Eve F. Kraft was a tennis pioneer who touched people's lives both on and off of the tennis court. As a teacher, coach, author, USTA staff member and volunteer, Kraft was a lifelong champion of recreational tennis in the United States until her death in 1999. She introduced thousands of young people to the game of tennis, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Harkins has been instrumental in the growth of the Seminole County tennis community. Prior to 1975, Seminole County did not have one public tennis court, whereas today there are 54 public courts. Harkins established Red Bug Park in 1976 and had the privilege of actively serving on the committee to select, plan, and develop Sanlando Park, which opened in 1978.  

In addition she is responsible for organizing and developing Seminole County's tennis facilities and programs. Since 1975, Seminole County has provided tennis opportunities to over 150,000 junior participants, 50,000 adult participants, 75,000 league and USTA Jr. Team Tennis players, 60,000 tournament players, and 800 high school tennis team players.  

An active volunteer since 1976, Harkins has been equally proactive, especially in the development of tournament criteria and standards for junior tournaments in Florida. Harkin's remarkable service to the community is exemplified through her leadership and involvement on several committees. 

Currently she serves on the USTA National Junior Competition Committee, the USTA Florida Junior Competitive Council, the USTA Florida Tournament Sanction & Selection Committee, and the USTA Florida Board of Directors. She is a true advocate for the sport and her years of service have ensured the growth of tennis in central Florida.

"Cindy Harkin's contributions to tennis reflect the passion and selflessness of Eve Kraft," said Kurt Kamperman, chief executive, Community Tennis, USTA. "Through Cindy's tireless efforts the lives of thousands of people in her community have been positively impacted through tennis.  We honor her achievements and years of dedication with this award."

Harkins will be honored at the United States Tennis Association Community Tennis Development Workshop held Jan. 13-15, 2012, at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, La., the largest annual gathering of grassroots tennis leaders in the United States. 
 

Port Orange's Gladstone Named 2011 USTA Recreational On-Court Trainer of the Year

USTA national announced that Rita Gladstone of Port Orange, Fla., has been selected as the recipient of the 2011 USTA Recreational On-Court Trainer of the Year Award.  Gladstone was chosen from the USTA's team of trainers who promotes the growth of tennis through exemplary on-court training, assists the national office with the direction of this program, and is very well connected with their Section's efforts.

"Rita Gladstone has had a remarkable impact on the game of tennis and her commitment and enthusiasm are unparalleled," said Kurt Kamperman, chief executive, Community Tennis, USTA. "We deeply appreciate her efforts and proudly recognize her with this honor."

A lifelong tennis enthusiast, Gladstone takes every opportunity to grow tennis from a community grassroots level. She joined the USTA Recreational Coach Workshop (RCW) Trainer faculty in 2006 and continues to conduct workshops in her home state of Florida and across the country.  In addition to RCW and 10 and Under Tennis workshops, she also conducts in-service trainings for physical education teachers and after-school program providers. 

As a trainer, Gladstone strives to give new coaches, P.E. teachers, parents and volunteers the confidence to provide a great "first time" experience for their players. Her goal is to instill enthusiasm for coaching players and also a love for tennis.

Gladstone is an active USTA volunteer on both a Section and National level. She has served on the USTA Florida Recreational Tennis Council since 2007 and is currently a member of the USTA 10 and Under Task Force, and vice chair of the Jr. Team Tennis Committee. She is very active with local USTA programming, acting as league coordinator for USTA Jr. Team Tennis in her county. Gladstone also is a past speaker at both the USTA Tennis Teacher's Conference and the USTA Community Tennis Development Workshop.

Gladstone has enjoyed over 30 years in tennis as a player, coach, volunteer, and national trainer. As a player, she competed on a national, collegiate and international level. A University of South Carolina alum (1984-1988), her 127 career singles wins remains a school record. She also competed professionally, attaining a world ranking from 1986-1990.   

Gladstone will be honored at the United States Tennis Association Community Tennis Development Workshop held Jan. 13-15, 2012, at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, La., the largest annual gathering of grassroots tennis leaders in the United States. This is also the first year that the award will be presented at this conference.  In the past the award was given out at the Tennis Teacher's Conference during the US Open.

The USTA Recreational On-Court Trainer of the Year Award was established in 2006. Previous recipients of this award included: Butch Staples of Chicago, Ill. (2009, 2006); Tom Fey of Indian Wells, Calif. (2008); and Mike Carter of Austin, Texas (2007). 


Florida Kicks Off 33rd USTA Pro Circuit Season

The 33rd season of the USTA Pro Circuit began this week with two claycourt events in Florida -- the $10,000 men's Futures in Plantation, Fla., and the $25,000 women's event in Innisbrook, Fla. The USTA Pro Circuit, the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, is scheduled to feature 88 events -- including a record 31 tournaments on clay -- and a total prize money purse of nearly $3 million.

The Plantation tournament begins a string of four consecutive claycourt $10,000 men's Futures events and the Innisbrook tournament is the first of two consecutive $25,000 women's events to be played on clay. 

This is the first of two claycourt seasons on the USTA Pro Circuit calendar to take place prior to the French Open. In conjunction with USTA Player Development, the USTA Pro Circuit continues to emphasize the importance of increased training for younger players on clay, particularly at the $10,000/$25,000 level for women and $10,000/$15,000 level for men. 

Also, prize money has rose to $100,000 for two men's Challengers (Dallas and Sarasota, Fla.), bringing the total to six for the 2012 calendar -- an all-time high. In addition, new sponsors and community partners have come on board and eight tournaments will be celebrating more than 20 years of involvement with the USTA Pro Circuit. 

Up-and-coming players scheduled to begin their season this week include: 2011 US Open mixed doubles champion and 2010 US Open boys' champion Jack Sock; 2011 US Open girls' singles champion Grace Min; former world No. 3 junior and 2011 USTA Girls' 18s singles champion Lauren Davis; 2010 French Open boys' runner-up Andrea Collarini; Shelby Rogers, the 2010 USTA Girls' 18s national champion; and Rhyne Williams, who reached the final of the 2011 NCAA singles tournament while at the University of Tennessee and has since turned pro.

With prize money ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the US Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis professionals, and a frequent battleground for established players. Last year, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries competed on the USTA Pro Circuit for valuable ranking points on the ATP World Tour and WTA Tour.  Administered on the local level, the USTA Pro Circuit brings world-class tennis to local courts nationwide as part of the fabric of communities -- an opportunity for current and new fans to experience the excitement and intensity of the professional game in their neighborhood. 

Since 1979, 16 USTA Pro Circuit alums (including five Americans) achieved the No. 1 world singles ranking. Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, Lindsay Davenport, Pete Sampras, Justine Henin, Jim Courier and Andre Agassi are among the game's top stars who began their career on the USTA Pro Circuit. The past few years have seen breakout performances by USTA Pro Circuit players, including that of John Isner, Christina McHale, and Ryan Harrison.


Florida's Vickery, Rubin Win ITF Copa Del Cafe Tennis in Costa Rica

 

Sachia Vickery of Miramar, Fla., and Noah Rubin of Rockville Centre, N.Y., started 2012 in fine fashion on Jan. 8, 2012, capturing the year's first singles titles on the ITF World Junior Circuit, winning all-American finals at the prestigious 48th Copa Del Cafe in San Jose, Costa Rica.  

The 16-year-old Vickery was seeded No. 5 and did not drop a single set en route to the final, where she beat No. 3 seed Christina Makarova of San Diego 7-5, 6-1.  Vickery was coming off a semifinals appearance at the 2011 Orange Bowl in Plantation, Fla., in December.

The unseeded Rubin, 15, upset the No. 2 seed in the first round and the No. 4 seed in the semifinals before beating No. 5 seed Connor Farren of Hillsborough, Calif., 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, in the final. The win is Rubin's first in ITF competition; he also won the boys' 16s title at the 2011 USTA International Spring Championships.  

The victories propel both Vickery and Rubin to career-high rankings on the ITF World Junior Circuit: Vickery moves up to No. 31, while Rubin jumps 60 spots to No. 41.  

The last American to win at the Grade 1 hardcourt event was Madison Keys in 2009. Keys will make her Australian Open debut next week after winning a USTA Playoff in December to earn a main draw wildcard.  

 
Florida's Venus Williams Out of 2012 Australian Open

Still struggling to recover her playing form since announcing she had the autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome during the 2011 US Open, Venus Williams has withdrawn from the field for the 2012 Australian Open.

Williams, who also withdrew from a WTA Tour event in January prior to the Grand Slam event in Melbourne, said on her website that she is now targeting February for a WTA Tour debut.

"I regret to announce that I am withdrawing from the 2012 Australian Open," Williams said on her website. "After several months of training and treatment, I am making steady progress to top competitive form. My diet and fitness regimen have allowed me to make great strides in terms of my health and I am very close to being ready to return to WTA competition. I have every intention to return to the circuit in February."

Sjogren's syndrome causes general fatigue and joint pain among other effects, and other WTA players are wishing the elder Williams sister a speedy return to competition.

"Venus has played for many years, but she's been unlucky with the virus thing," world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki said at the Sydney International. "The most important thing is the health. Tennis is a game but most of all, the most important thing is that you're healthy and she'll be 100 percent healthy by February."

Sister Serena's Australian Open status is still pending after the younger Williams turned her ankle and was forced to pull out of a WTA warm-up event in Australia.


Tennis & Rockin' Blues Event in Ocala, Fla., in April

Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club will be hosting a Tennis and Rockin' Blues Event featuring One-on-One Doubles, the new game of tennis sanctioned by the USTA, on Saturday, April 21, 2012.

The half-court, serve-and-volley singles game, known as One-on-One Doubles, will be the featured tournament format from 4-6 p.m. This will be a 4-man, round-robin competition, played on one court with two matches being played simultaneously. This prize money shoot-out will feature tennis greats Murphy Jensen, 1993 French Open doubles champion; Donald Johnson, 2001 Wimbledon doubles champion; Johan Kriek, 1981 and 1982 Australian Open singles champion, and Tim Wilkison, former ATP star with singles wins over John McEnroe, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.

This One-on-One Doubles shoot-out will be televised on Tennis Channel. Each match will be first to win five games, no-ad scoring, with a tie-breaker at 4-all. Each player will compete against the other three players in this unique two-hour tournament format.

The day of the event, there will be a Pro-Am prize money Doubles tournament, featuring the area's top tennis talents, from 12:00-2:15 p.m., and a USTA 10 and Under Tennis program presentation featuring One-on-One Doubles from 2:30-3:15 p.m. Club doors open at Noon for the events. Food, beer, wine and soda will be available for purchase.

There will be a live, rockin' blues concert after-party from 7-9 p.m., with the legendary Jimmy Hall and Friends. Jimmy Hall is the lead singer, saxophonist and harmonica player for the Southern Rock band Wet Willie. Hall has shared the stage with The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jeff Beck and Grand Funk Railroad. Hall is also the band director for Hank Williams, Jr.

A portion of the event's proceeds will benefit the Interfaith Emergency Services of Ocala.

Two Tennis and Rockin' Blues Events featuring One-on-One Doubles have been held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the home of the US Open. Since the game's inception in 2004, One-on-One Doubles has been played at ATP, USTA, USPTR and ITA national events. The game's founder, Ed Krass, is also the Founder/Director of the College Tennis Exposure Camp, a summer camp program taught exclusively by head college coaches for aspiring college bound tennis players.

The rain date for the One-on-One Doubles tennis event is Sunday, April 21 from 12-2 p.m. The Jimmy Hall & Friends concert is rain or shine as the concert area is tented.

General admission tickets are $30 in advance, $40 day of event. VIP Tickets are $150 in advance, $170 day of event, and include admission into VIP parking, VIP seating, and VIP areas including food, beer, wine and soft drinks.

To purchase tickets online, go to www.ticketweb.com and type in "Tennis and Rockin' Blues Event." For more information, call (813) 864-9031. For more information about this event, visit www.tennisandrockinblues.com.